The current crisis of shortage of raw material is not something Sri Lanka is facing but is a common global issue, said President of the Sri Lanka institute of architects Russell Dandeniya.
He was speaking at the launch of Architect 2022 Member’s Worker’s and Trade Exhibition which will be held from February 24 to 27 at BMICH at Kingsbury Colombo.
“The issue of shortage of raw material, current business uncertainty and price fluctuations are not something only common to Sri Lanka but is a common scenario experienced in most of the countries due to the C-19 pandemic,” he said.
Dandeniya said that this negative trend has a major negative impact on the industry employees, some of whom have already lost employment. Unlike the tourism sector where there are around 270,000 employees and there is a lot of focus to review tourism, the construction industry where there are over one million employees has no major bailout plan is on the horizon. “The construction sector is awaiting a future construction boom to overcome this situation,” he said.
He also disclosed that the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) celebrates its 65th Anniversary this year and they have gone to great lengths to ensure its annual sessions are held as usual in the month of February 2022 from the 23 to 27t despite difficulties brought on by the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, and while adhering to all health guidelines.
“This will be a valuable experience for the general public with many opportunities available to interact with architects and other professionals,” said Chairman Inauguration & National Conference Salinda Rathugama. “As a common factor in fact - a universal factor, we all have come through a difficult year. Although primarily health-related, and although the economic sky above seems to be gloomy and dark, SLIA intends to be positive and look for the silver lining.”
There are 134 stalls this year and the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, will be the Chief guest for the exhibition. This event will also consist of the presentation of lifetime achievement awards. The National Conference will be held on February 23, from 11.30 am to 6 pm with the theme being “Architecture for Wellbeing” and Keynote speech will be delivered by Archt. Channa Daswatte and the conference will be held at the Kingsbury Hotel as a hybrid event, with several eminent speakers joining live via the internet and physically.
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